Water hardness in Bergen
2.8 °dH soft
Tap water in Bergen is soft: 2.8 °dH (50 mg/L · 2.9 gpg · 5 °fH).
Source: Bergen kommune - Drikkevannskvalitet Svartediket 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-29
Bergen's tap water is treated at the Svartediket plant, and Bergen kommune reports about 50 mg/L CaCO₃ for 2025. That is soft. Much of Norway sits on hard crystalline bedrock that gives up little calcium, which is why soft water is the norm here. At this level scale build-up is slight, so a softener is rarely needed.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 19.2 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 0.5 |
| Utility | Bergen Vann - Svartediket vannbehandlingsanlegg |
How Bergen compares
- Tap water in Bergen is 40 % harder than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 23 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 75 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Vestland it is number 2 of 6 cities; the regional median is 2.6 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Haugesund, 109 km away (2 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Norway →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Bergen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Bergen water hard or soft?
It is soft: 50 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bergen safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
How many grains per gallon is Bergen water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.8 °dH, 5 °fH or 50 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bergen?
For 50 mg/L (2.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Bergen?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Bergen kommune - Drikkevannskvalitet Svartediket 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Bergen kommune - Drikkevannskvalitet Svartediket 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us